Imagine U productions are geared toward children and their families. Performances often include an opportunity for children to interact afterwards with the cast and receive colorful take-home programs filled with activities, art projects, fun facts and games! Past productions have included THE HUNDRED DRESSES, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH (Chicago premiere), A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, THE RELUCTANT DRAGON, and many more!
Tomas and the Library Lady, an Imagine U Production
Available On Demand MARCH 12-28
Recommended for ages 5-12.
Tomás and The Library Lady, directed by MFA directing candidate Ismael Lara, Jr., tells the true story of a nine-year-old Tomás Rivera, the son of Mexican migrant workers who move from Texas to Iowa to work in corn fields in the summer of 1945. Tomás finds the library, where he bonds with the librarian. Adapted for the stage by José Cruz Gonzáles from the children’s book of the same title, written by El Paso born and UTEP graduate Pat Mora, Tomás takes his education into his own hands and develops a lifetime love of reading and writing.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Imagine U Storytime
Wirtz Center’s ‘Imagine U Storytime’ Episodes through the end of 2020
Northwestern theater students, faculty and alumni share weekly stories for young audiences online.
The weekly video series appears on the Wirtz Center YouTube channel. New videos, each lasting 15 minutes, are posted at 6 p.m. on Sundays, and remain online for streaming.“Imagine U Storytime” began in April of 2020 as a way to connect community members through the arts during the global pandemic.
According to Rives Collins, department chair of theatre at Northwestern’s School of Communication, the series aims to provide engaging content for families to enjoy together at home, as well as highlight the talented students in the theatre for young audiences training program.
“It has been remarkable to see what our students have created to delight young audiences,” said Lynn Kelso, Imagine U founder and creative mentor. “We are very excited to return to continue to share these artistic gifts with our families in these challenging times.”
Upcoming “Imagine U Storytime” programs include:
“Cara Gets Calm!” by Claudia Kinahan
Sunday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. CST
Cara has been getting frustrated recently. Like many others, Cara and her family have been staying indoors recently to avoid catching what her mum calls the ‘icky virus’. Now her home feels small. Her little brother is always making a mess, her big sister plays her music too loud, and her mum and dad are always ‘on a call’. All she wants is a space of her own where she can be by herself and have some peace and quiet. Inspired by her kitten Moo, she creates a special fort where nobody can disturb her. It’s time for Cara to get calm!
“Scranimals” by Jack Owen (’22)
Sunday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. CST
We’re sailing to Scranimal Island,
It doesn’t appear on most maps.
The parrotters float on the tide there,
The stormy petrelephant flaps.
We may find a rare ostricheeta,
There’s never been one in a zoo.
We’re sailing to Scranimal Island–
You’re welcome to come along too!
Join us as we explore the beautiful Scranimal Island, where we’ll experience the wonder of such jumbled up creatures, and even make some of our own!
“Minnie and Moo Cow Go Dancing” by Paige Dirkes-Jacks (’22)
Sunday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m. CST
Minnie and Moo are as close as two cows can be! One night, they decide to dress up and attend the big party happening in the farmhouse. Join Minnie, Moo, and their friends for a night of dancing, yee-hawing, and maybe even some ghost chasing!
“Imagine U Storytime” is inspired by the popular Imagine U performance series geared toward families with young children. The frequently sold-out productions take well-known children’s classics and adapt them for the stage. The program includes an opportunity to meet the cast, participate in workshops, and receive a take-home program with activities related to the production themes.
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* Photo: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (2014) Justin Barbin Photography